Forum Discussion

brainfarth's avatar
brainfarth
Explorer
Aug 18, 2020

New trailer heating options

I picked up a 2020 Rockwood Mini Lite 2205s the other weekend and finally took it out last weekend to Princess Creek Campground at Odell lake, Oregon. I cant say enough good stuff about this place.
After a three day stay, we found a few things that need addressed. One is the lack of leveling bubbles of any kind. I dunno if they forgot or what the deal was.
Heat! It has a fireplace (1500 watt electric) which doesn't do us much good when dry camping. No one wants to hear a generator all night (the trailer doesn't have one, but I brought one just in case).
One type 24 battery that lasted 24 hours. I'm looking for a premade box (maybe toolbox) that had hold two type 27 batteries, end to end.
So my big question is heating. Since this thing didnt come with a propane option, is there something that I can sit on the stove and let it vent out the stove vent or something along those lines? I think I can plumb new gas to whatever heater works.
Thanks for any help.



  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2020
    In your first pic, I can see the vent for a propane furnace, roughly centered above the two wheels.

    You have a propane furnace buried in there somewhere. Can you post more interior pics?

    Btw congrats on the new rig.
  • Fisherman's avatar
    Fisherman
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2020
    GordonThree wrote:
    In your first pic, I can see the vent for a propane furnace, roughly centered above the two wheels.

    You have a propane furnace buried in there somewhere. Can you post more interior pics?

    Btw congrats on the new rig.


    Ya, the intake/exhaust is under the kitchen window, if yu look under the stove/oven, that's where the furnace should be.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Aug 18, 2020
    “is there something that I can sit on the stove and let it vent out the stove vent” If you want to take a chance on dying, you could.

    Bought a generator just in case? While solar is a better option, how else would you recharge fully your batteries daily when dry camping?

    At 93F and 58F yesterday high and low in McMinnville, you needed the furnace?
  • corvettekent's avatar
    corvettekent
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2020
    We boondocking a lot and use a Mr. Heater Big Buddy, just leave a vent open a bit.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Aug 18, 2020
    Electric resistance heating is probably the MOST inefficient way of heating. Don't even CONSIDER trying to heat with electricity if you are boondocking.

    If you are going to upgrade you battery, the most cost effective option is TWO 6V golf cart batteries. They will store more energy (210Ah) compared to a pair of dual purpose marine/RV Group 27 batteries (180Ah) and WILL COST LESS !

    As for a box, NOCO HM426 Dual 6V Battery Box


    Now if you goal is to eliminate propane all together, the what you need is a custom installation of a residential mini-split heat pump. You will need a big inverter AND at least FOUR 6V golf cart batteries. You will be running that generator during the day to recharges those batteries.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Aug 18, 2020
    corvettekent wrote:
    We boondocking a lot and use a Mr. Heater Big Buddy, just leave a vent open a bit.

    EXCELLENT, cost effective solution !

    At night add a couple of blankets. Use the Big Buddy in the AM to "knock the chill off",
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Aug 18, 2020
    Maybe the OP is saying the one battery can not run the FAN on the furnace/fireplace all night long. A pair of golf cart batteries should solve that !
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Aug 18, 2020
    Thermostat on website is shown on cabinet right side of entry door.
    It would not be considered self-contained without heat.
    Doing a lot of boondocking, I would suggest two volt batteries.
  • StirCrazy's avatar
    StirCrazy
    Moderator
    Aug 18, 2020
    brainfarth wrote:
    I picked up a 2020 Since this thing didnt come with a propane option, is there something that I can sit on the stove and let it vent out the stove vent or something along those lines? I think I can plumb new gas to whatever heater works.
    Thanks for any help.


    not sure what your talking about I see a propane fridge, water heater stove and the furnace exhaust and intake, even see the propane tanks of the a frame. looks like you have a propane option to me. you will want to upgrade to a couple 6V batteries if you plan on boondocking a lot.

    Steve

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